BRCast #86 - Comet Records
Interview By: Auseeb - Founder Comet Records
What made you create this label? Why? What is the idea and inspiration behind it?
The label's inspiration stems from a desire to foster a supportive and inclusive community for electronic music enthusiasts in Pakistan. By providing a platform for local artists to release their music, we aim to encourage creativity, collaboration, and growth within the electronic music scene. Our goal is to nurture and uplift emerging talent, while also contributing to the development and recognition of Pakistan as a hub for electronic music.
Through this label, we aspire to curate high-quality releases, organize events, and collaborate with both local and international artists, labels, and industry professionals. By channeling our love and passion for electronic music into this endeavor, we hope to create a vibrant and thriving ecosystem that propels Pakistani electronic music onto the global stage.
How long had the idea of a label been on your minds before its official launch? What were the challenges running up to its launch?
The idea of launching this label had been on my mind for a while, and it took months of careful planning and preparation to make it a reality. Building a strong network within the electronic music industry was a challenge, as it required connecting with artists and professionals globally. Finding the right balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability was another challenge, involving careful talent selection. Navigating the administrative and legal aspects, such as copyright and licensing, was a learning process. Financial considerations and securing funding were also challenges. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to adapt and learn. Through commitment, guidance, and leveraging technology, we successfully launched the label.
What is the inspiration behind the logo and artwork?
The inspiration behind the logo was derived from the shape of a comet. Comets are often associated with a sense of movement, energy and exploration, which aligns with the dynamic and evolving nature of the electronic music genre. The intention was to capture the essence of this energy and translate it into a visually appealing and recognizable logo.
As for the artwork, our approach is to stay up-to-date with current trends while also striving to create something unique and eye-catching. We understand the importance of visually captivating artwork in attracting attention and conveying the essence of the music. By combining elements of contemporary design aesthetics with our own creative ideas, we aim to create artwork that stands out and resonates with our audience. The overall goal of our logo and artwork is to visually represent the identity and character of our label, reflecting the energy and creativity that define our approach to electronic music.
What genre of music the label hosts and what do you look for specifically in a track that gives you that sense of belonging in a track to release it on your platform?
Our label specializes in progressive house, organic house, and melodic techno. When selecting tracks for release, we prioritize musicality, production quality, emotional resonance, and uniqueness. We look for compositions with intricate melodies and well-crafted arrangements that take listeners on a captivating journey. Clean and polished production is essential for a satisfying listening experience. We also appreciate tracks that evoke emotions and create a deep connection with the audience. Additionally, we value artists who bring a unique and distinct flavor to the genre, pushing boundaries and infusing innovative elements. Our aim is to curate a collection of tracks that embody the essence of these genres while promoting diversity and originality.
In terms of demos, how do you accept, review and reject from all the thousands you receive? What are the challenges in sifting through the boatload of demos you receive for releases and the communication you maintain with aspirants?
Managing the influx of demo submissions is a challenge, requiring careful organization and dedicated resources. We have established a structured system with specific submission guidelines. Each demo is thoroughly reviewed, considering genre, production quality, and alignment with our label's vision. Providing individual feedback may not always be possible due to the volume of submissions, but we prioritize responding to artists whose tracks resonate with our vision. Maintaining effective communication is crucial, keeping artists informed of their submission status. Through efficient systems, resources, and respectful communication, we strive to give each demo the attention it deserves while managing practical constraints.
How many VA and compilations do you release in a year and what kind of tracks you choose? What kind of artists do you select for the VA? Basically what purpose does a VA serve to a label?
We aim to release two VA compilations per year to showcase a diverse range of talent and provide a platform for both established and emerging artists. We select tracks that align with the compilation's theme, demonstrating high-quality production, musicality, and artistry. We include a mix of established artists, rising talents, and hidden gems to foster community and collaboration. VA compilations serve as a platform to showcase our label's direction, discover new talent, and contribute to our branding and market presence. They generate buzz, expand our reach, and facilitate collaboration within the electronic music community.
Which one has been a highlight release and why? (share artwork of the EP)
"Macroscopic Ego CMR001" by Gorkiz and Auseeb has been a standout release for our label. It captured the essence of Progressive house with its hypnotic rhythms, atmospheric textures, and captivating melodies. The track received significant recognition, positive reviews, and airplay on renowned platforms. The collaboration between Gorkiz and Auseeb showcased their talent and resulted in a unique and exceptional track. This release exemplified our commitment to curating exceptional music and promoting the growth of the progressive house genre.
What do you expect from new talent when you sign them? What makes you reject them from releasing on your label?
We expect new talent to demonstrate quality, originality, consistency, and professionalism. We look for artists with production skills, a unique artistic vision, and a commitment to their craft. Lack of quality, originality, consistency, or professionalism may result in rejection. We value artists who stand out, bring something fresh, and show growth over time.
Additionally, we appreciate artists who have a strong work ethic, are open to feedback and collaboration, and are actively engaged in building their career. We seek artists who are passionate about their music and are willing to go the extra mile to refine their skills and develop their artistic identity. Ultimately, we strive to sign new talent that not only meets our expectations but also has the potential to make a significant impact in the industry and contribute to the growth and success of our label.
From your country, which other label is pushing the same music as you are and how do you think everyone is helping push the local producers?
In Pakistan, there are several other labels that are pushing the same music as we are, particularly in the Progressive house genre. One notable label is Deep House Islamabad from Pakistan, which focuses on promoting local producers and showcasing their talent. They provide a platform for emerging artists to release their music and contribute to the growth of the electronic music scene in Pakistan.
Additionally, various event labels such as Haywire Records, Specter, Harvest, Housegrooves Islamabad, Shady & Friends, Mystro, Audiophile, Mute, Blackcode, Aeskay and Beefam Records, Rod, Vareone, AjabTal, Astrohours and The Velvet Circle are actively involved in promoting the electronic music scene in Pakistan. These labels organize events, parties, and showcases that feature local producers and DJs, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Collectively, these labels and event organizers play a crucial role in pushing the local producers and helping them gain recognition within the industry. By providing platforms for talent to be heard, organizing events, and fostering a sense of community, they contribute to the development and growth of the electronic music scene in Pakistan.
What kind of support do you look for from artists and other parties in promoting your music worldwide? What are the challenges in promoting music to corners of the world where you may not be as popular as in your home country.
When promoting our music worldwide, we seek support through artist collaboration, DJ support, label partnerships, music media and blogs, and online platforms. Challenges in promoting to less popular regions include cultural and language barriers, limited local networks, market saturation, and infrastructure/accessibility issues. To overcome these challenges, we adapt our strategies, collaborate with local artists, engage with local communities, and utilize online platforms and targeted advertising.